UNCASVILLE, Conn. – No. 2 seed Louisville made a strong impression in the American Athletic Conference Championship quarterfinals, racing past No. 10 seed Houston in an 88-43 victory.

The Cardinals used a hot start to the game to pull ahead, opening on a 19-2 run and extending their lead to 30-6 after 12 minutes of action. Behind 17-for-33 shooting from the floor, Louisville took a 46-19 lead into half.



The Cardinals extended their lead in the second half, pulling away from the Cougars. Louisville finished off Houston with a 42-24 advantage in the second frame for a 45-point victory to move on to the semifinals.

The Cardinals had balanced scoring, with four players reaching double figures. Shoni Schimmel led the Cardinals with 15 points while Antonita Slaughter had 14 points and eight rebounds. The Cardinals shot 50.8 percent (32-for-63) for the game while holding Houston to 27.3 percent from the floor.